HE'S faced everything some of the world's toughest environments could have thrown at him.

But coming face to face with a member of the royal family was an experience on another level for Oldham's daring deputy head teacher, Steve Hill, as he was introduced to HRH the Earl of Wessex at St James Palace recently.

The inspirational St Joseph's RC Primary School teacher shook hands and chatted to Prince Edward after being invited to present Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards to a host of outstanding young people from across the north.

He had of course already met the Queen who presented him with his MBE in 2015 for services to education and charity.

But he admitted beforehand this was a daunting prospect as well as a huge honour.

Steve presented certificates to around 50 young people and appeared on a group photograph with them.

He also gave a congratulatory speech and shared tales of some of his amazing adventures with the DofE gold achievers.

"I felt very honoured to be invited by the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to be a guest and present certificates on behalf of HRH the Earl of Wessex at the Gold Award Presentation in St James’s Palace.

"It was amazing to be celebrating the achievements of some amazing young people from across the UK and a privilege to be able to share such a special celebration."

He also received some incredible feedback following the event last month.

One DofE recipient said: “Steve Hill was an incredibly inspiring yet humble man who encouraged me to think that anything is possible.”

And said: “I will be very disappointed to not see a book called 'What's next Sir?' about all the incredible adventures he's had and the children that have inspired him.”

Paul Griffiths, DofE Operations Manager in the North of England said: “Steve Hill has made quite an impact in Oldham schools and the wider community of Oldham. He is quite an inspiration, all his challenges are done to inspire young people to think big and aim high.

"The DofE North of England Office asked him to deliver his message to a group of young people receiving the highest accolade, a Gold DofE Award. Steve was inspiring for all in attendance and received a very warm applause at the end of his talk.

"Steve spoke about how he started with a 10k run, and now this has developed into endurance challenges. An example being in the Artic Circle, unaided with only the northern lights for company.

"He inspired us all to dream big and aim high and never give up on your dream.”